French organisations call for industry-wide discussions on streaming

By Emmanuel Legrand

Three French music organisations representing independent labels (FELIN), music events organisers (SMA) and the electronic music community (Technopol) have asked for an industry-wide discussion on the regulation of streaming. 

  Noting that streaming now represents 69% of the recorded music market, but that streaming is skewed towards certain music genres, they are asking for "possible changes in the remuneration system for streaming." 

  For the three organisations, it is necessary to look at all the options, in particular evaluate if the current pro rata system should be substituted to a user centric model, based on what each subscriber is listening to.

A fair and transparent system

  They also suggest that it is also time to put an end to the practices of "fake streams" which creates an artificial increase in market share for those who use it and is detrimental to others. 

  The signatories are asking the recently created Centre National de la Musique to "set up discussions between producers [labels] and platforms, in order to reflect on the model of tomorrow, which we want balanced, fair, transparent and virtuous for all. Streaming should not perpetuate the biases and questionable practices of our industry's past."